Service—This gift equips one to do practical jobs that others may deem to be tedious or beneath them, but that actually are very much needed to be done. This gift is to be distinguished from helping by its focus on tasks, whereas helping is more focused on lending assistance to a person. An example of leading through service is cleaning the church building, sharpening pencils for the pews, or folding bulletins (Jn. 13:3-5).

Spiritual Gifts Passages on Speaking"7 If it is serving, let him serve" . . . (Rom. 12:7). "11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord" (Rom. 12:11). "11b If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 4:11b).

Characteristics of Those with This Gift:- Love practical, hands on tasks - Are willing to do any job that is needed, no matter how repetitive or menial - Often do not want any public recognition for their work - May delight in doing work anonymously, while others wonder how the job got done - Can work long and hard on practical tasks

ApplicationApplication for World/Workplace/Neighborhood Settings - At work, look for the jobs that no one wants to do and do them (clean up kitchen, replace toner, etc.) - Take it upon yourself to keep the neighborhood, certain streets, or business free from trash - Offer to help your neighbors do inside or outside work, such as mowing their lawn

Application for Church Ministry - Attend church "work days" - Participate in or lead efforts to get the church to go out and serve the community - Participate in any ministry which has a physical component to it (such as hanging out food bags, breaking down or setting up tables, assembling VBS packets, etc.)

Application for Family - Do those physical tasks at home that no one else wants to do, and find service things to do for your spouse - Adopt a neighborhood or street as a family to keep clean - At school or extracurricular events, have your family serve as setup or clean-up crew

Testimony/Example of How People Have Used This Gift:Janet, city judge, married, mother of teenage son--“I would rather work behind the scenes than in front. While I would not want to be in charge of Vacation Bible School, I enjoy assisting the kids in class and cutting out crafts. I like the library work nights at church where a group of us sit, visit, and work on updating the church library. I had a friend last year who was in a coma. I went to the hospital and read to her several times a week. I was sure that she knew when someone was there and could hear us. I just wanted to do whatever I could for her. Reading to her was the only thing I could come up with. A year later, she has passed away but her husband still mentions what I did. It was a small act of service but obviously appreciated by the family. I think that family, friends, and co-workers appreciate it when you help out by doing things for them. It may not be spectacular and I may not get an award for it, but I know my son appreciates clean clothes in his drawer each week. Hopefully, God's light can shine when we do these simple things.”